The Ameraucana is an up-and-coming dual-purpose bird. It made its debut in the United States in the 1970s, and since then, it has gained popularity for its beautiful blue eggs. Although it is still considered rare, there are a growing number of backyard chicken owners and small farms that adore this unique, hardy bird.
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Ameraucana Chicken Breed Quick Info
Ameraucana Chicken Description
| Ameraucana Type/Size: | Standard |
| Feather Color: | Varies |
| Leg Type: | Clean |
| Leg Color: | Black |
| Skin Color: | White |
| Ameraucana Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
| Ameraucana Special Care Needs: | No |
| Is the Ameraucana breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare |
Ameraucana Use
| Meat | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Dual Purpose | Yes |
| Ameraucana Temperament: | Docile, skittish |
| Ameraucana Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Ameraucana Egg Production
| Egg Color | Blue |
| Egg Size | Medium |
| Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 200 |
| Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | Low |
Ameraucana Meat Production
| Dressed Weight Male | 4 ½ lbs. |
| Dressed Weight Female | 3 ¾ lbs. |
Ameraucana Climate Tolerance
| Heat | Good |
| Cold | Excellent |
Ameraucana Age to Maturity
| Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 5 Months |
| Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 5-7 Months |
| Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | 5 Months |
Ameraucana Size at Maturity
| Male | 6 ½ lbs. |
| Female | 5 ½ lbs. |
Origins of the Ameraucana Chicken
This blue-egg-laying bird is a descendant of the Araucana breed, which originates from South America. Native tribes in Chile domesticated and bred two types of chickens to create the Araucana. Ameraucanas were bred to eliminate the lethal gene that some Araucanas carry while still producing blue eggs.
They were brought to the United States in the 1920s and eventually developed into the breed we know today at the Pratt Experimental Farm in Pennsylvania.
Some Things to Know About the Ameraucana Chicken
The Ameraucana has a unique look. They have a hawk-like appearance, which can be favorable if you plan to keep your chickens free range during the day, as it can ward off potential predators. At the same time, they have an adorable, chipmunk-like faces due to their beard and muffs.
There are eight official colors that are recognized by the breed, ranging from black to blue wheaten to silver to white. Lavender is another very popular color, although it is not yet officially recognized.
How Easy is it to Keep Ameraucana Chickens?
Ameraucanas are known as a winter hardy breed. This makes them ideal for chillier climates. They are known to be healthy and all-around easy to care for. This makes them a great option for first-time chicken owners.
When it comes to their temperament, the reviews are mixed. Some owners report that their hens are calm and docile. Others report skittish behavior. Overall, it seems to be a friendly bird but not one that is ideal for a pet - cuddling is not their idea of a good time.
Special Care and Considerations for Ameraucana Chickens
Adding Ameraucanas to your flock is a great way to add some color to your daily egg collection. Their beautiful blue eggs and unique appearance will captivate you. Although still fairly rare in the United States, they are becoming more and more popular with homesteaders and backyard chicken owners. Therefore, you can find them at most online and commercial hatcheries.
